Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 58: Beneath the Willow

The morning air in the garden was cool, a gentle breeze blowing through, holding the promise of the coming summer. Clara pulled her jacket around her as she breathed deeply, embracing the fresh air.

"Are you cold?" Simon glanced at her, concern flickering across his face as they walked the trail.

Clara shook her head. "I'm alright." She offered him a small smile. The truth was, she was a little chilled, but she didn't mind it, and she didn't want them to try herding her back inside to stay warm.

She turned away from him, looking around at the flowers beginning to appear. The daffodils had sprung up a few weeks ago, so most were withered by now, but the tulips and iris's were in bloom. The late spring blossoms on the trees were beginning to show as well, filling the air of the garden with their gentle scent. The pollen, however, was less gentle. Clara rubbed her nose, trying to fight the tickle of the semi-dusty air, then adjusted her glasses. Eli had them repaired for her, and while she could see perfectly from her artificial eye, her human eye still needed the extra help. The familiar frames made her feel like herself, and thankfully, the artificial one adjusted quickly to her prescription.

She could see Connor and Eli standing by the front gate, watching her and Simon as they walked. Their lips moved in quiet conversation, but they were too far for her to here.

"How have you been adjusting?" Simon spoke again, shaking her out of her thoughts.

She half shrugged. "As well as can be expected."

"What do you mean by that?" He slowed, glancing at her again.

Clara exhaled slowly, putting her thoughts in order. It had been just over a week since her memories' return, and the adjustment process was still...difficult. The smallest things would trigger recall, and she'd lose herself to the flashbacks for a moment. She could keep it under control most of the time, but not always. And it was worse when she was alone. If she had another person to ground her, it helped a little, but it wasn't a perfect solution. At least the days were manageable, but the nights were the worst. In her dreams, there was no escape. Not unless someone woke her up. Connor had become a constant presence while she slept, making sure to stay alert in case she needed him. And during the day, she always had him, Simon or Eli or Kara, or any of the others if she asked.

"Clara?" A note of concern entered Simon's voice.

Clara startled, realizing she was taking to long to answer. She cleared her throat, and spoke. "It's just been...a lot to process. It's like trying to walk on the deck of a ship during a storm. Every time I think I have my balance again, something shifts and I have to readjust." She sighed softly. "Then there's the council's constant prodding and trying to keep the peace between Markus and Samuel. They've been at each other's throats about what we should be doing, and it's starting to divide everyone else. I've done my best to mediate, but..." Exhaustion settled over her. "Sometimes I wish I hadn't agreed to go back."

"You don't mean that." Simon's knuckles brushed against hers, and he took her hand, the human one, squeezing gently.

She squeezed back, allowing the touch to ground her. "Sometimes I do." She glanced up at him. "Honestly, the only reason I did is for everyone else, the people, all the innocents trying to live in peace. The council can go...I don't know, jump off a bridge or something. I'm just tired of all their bickering."